2021 GMC Yukon XL Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026

115Engine complaints

57.8%Of all 199 complaints

#1Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

ENGINE115 · 57.8%

POWER TRAIN44 · 22.1%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM24 · 12.1%

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING21 · 10.6%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12 · 6%

Share of the 199 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL overview page.

What owners report

“Check engine light on, Abnormal engine noise and very significant loss of power. Info registered in the repair invoice: tech verify customer concern, check for…”NHTSA complaint 11668041 — filed 06/20/2025

“I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon XL, which is equipped with the 6.2L V8…”NHTSA complaint 11667218 — filed 06/16/2025

“While my [XXX] son was driving my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL, the engine failed suddenly without warning. The vehicle lost power completely and became…”NHTSA complaint 11667051 — filed 06/15/2025

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have engine problems?

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL: 115 of 199 complaints on file (57.8%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have in total?

199 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 2 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 6 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.